AID chalks up its 15th telethon success this month

Live Wire, a young rock band from the western suburbs, performs at the 15th annual AID Telethon on March 15.Courtesy of AID

The Association for Individual Development broadcasts its annual telethon to more than 30 television stations around the Fox Valley area, as well as streaming on its website.Courtesy of AID

Volunteers man the phones during the 15th annual AID Telethon at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.Courtesy of AID

Submitted by Association for Individual Development

The Association for Individual Development's 15th annual telethon was televised live at Waubonsee Community College on March 15. This 10-hour event went on-air at 9 a.m. and broadcast to more than 30 television stations around the Fox Valley area, as well as online at the AID website www.the-association.org.

With the help of more than 800 volunteers, AID was able to raise funds for programs and services benefiting nearly 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness and special needs as they work toward their goals of independence and community inclusion.

Phone operators, on-air talent and production crew members joined together in an effort to raise funds to benefit individuals receiving services at AID. The target goal was not met, but AID is hopeful more pledges will continue to come in.

"We are very grateful for the generosity of our community in these difficult financial times," said Lynn O' Shea, AID President/CEO.

AID has provided services to individuals with disabilities in the Fox Valley area for more than 50 years; AID is truly blessed to have made so many friends and partnered with so many supporters along the way. The demand for services far outweighs the current resources.